Plympton Pathfields, The Latest News

7. February 2001 - Councillors asked to investigate new threat to bridge on Dark Street Lane

During discussions with Beazer Homes, the Pathfields Group were shocked to discover that the city councils Highways department had instructed the developers to demolish the west stone parapet of the bridge on Dark Street Lane.  The reason for this sensless destruction of an historic feature which the city archaeologist and Environment Agency's conservation officer say should be protected and enhanced, is to allow any water on Dark Street Lane to drain off the road.

Beazers indicated that a better solution would be to introduce a simple engineered drain into the road when they replace the temporary pavement which allowed excess water to be safely removed.  But the developers told the Pathfields Group that they reluctantly have to abide by the instructions of the Highways Department and will have to demolish the bridge parapet and replace it with a fence.   Pathfields reached an agreement with the developers to hold off the demolition of the bridge until we urgently raised the matter via our ward councillors.  Plympton Erle Councillor Kath Banks, who has vigorously supported the campaign to save the Pathfields, has promised to approach the Highways Department in order to save the bridge and for them to consider alternative solutions.

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